While LASIK offers major benefits to those who undergo it, some are never able to enjoy them thanks to innate characteristics that they cannot change. Fortunately, several other versions of the laser eye surgery procedure have been developed that allow ophthalmologists to work around these issues while still providing patients with significant vision enhancement. One such alternative is LASEK, which our North Oaks and Twin Cities practice performs for patients whose corneas or lifestyles make them unsuitable candidates for LASIK.
What makes LASEK different?
Pros and Cons of LASEK
As with IntraLase®, the difference between LASIK and LASEK comes in the flap creation step. Rather than using a metal blade or a laser to conduct this part of the operation, Dr. Daniel Conrad uses a chemical solution that separates the top layer of the cornea from the rest of the eye but leaves it largely intact so that it can be replaced afterwards. Once the flap has been created, the laser adjusts the shape of the cornea in much the same way as it does during LASIK surgery.
For some people, LASEK is the only safe and effective laser eye surgery option, usually because their corneas are too thin to withstand the LASIK process. For others, though, the decision is not so clear-cut. On the positive side, LASEK involves a somewhat decreased risk of surgical complications. Balanced against this benefit are some negative factors such as the fact that LASIK can correct more severe refractive errors. Furthermore, LASEK patients experience a bit more discomfort and take two or three days longer to heal and return to full visual functionality. Dr. Daniel Conrad will be happy to help you weigh these pros and cons against each other by providing detailed information and discussing the procedures with you in detail. You and he may consider IntraLase®, PRK, and custom LASIK as well, as these surgeries can also work for patients with thin corneas. Whichever procedure you choose, you can be confident that Acclaro Eye Care has the expertise and equipment necessary to give you the best possible results.
With LASEK surgery, we allow as many North Oaks patients and other Twin Cities-area residents as possible to enjoy the benefits of laser vision correction. Contact the practice of Dr. Daniel Conrad today to learn what we can do for your vision with this and other procedures.
Contact our practice for more information on undergoing LASEK in the Twin Cities area at our North Oaks office. We can use LASEK to make your vision sharp and clear for a lifetime.
Acclaro Eye Care
200 Village Center Drive
Suite 300
North Oaks, Minnesota 55127
Telephone: 651.484.EYES (3937)
Fax: 651.482.0896